Russians need Ukraine to be in NATO: Zelenskyy explains why
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Kyiv, June 3, 2026 (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s membership in NATO is in the interests not only of Kyiv and NATO member states, but also of Russia itself, according to Zelenskyy’s statement during a press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Kyiv.
According to the president, most NATO member states understand that Ukraine is needed by the Alliance no less than the Alliance is needed by Ukraine.
"Most NATO countries understand that Ukraine in NATO is needed by NATO no less than it is needed by Ukraine," Zelenskyy stressed.
At the same time, the head of state suggested that Ukraine’s NATO membership would also be beneficial for Russia.
"I believe that Russians also need Ukraine to be in NATO. Because in the future, it may be painful for Russians if Ukraine is not in NATO,” the president said.
The issue of Ukraine’s future NATO membership remains one of the key topics in Kyiv’s relations with the Alliance. Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly stressed that they see joining NATO as the most effective guarantee of long-term security after the war ends.
In particular, some partners also consider Ukraine’s NATO membership beneficial. Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson previously stated that Ukraine could significantly strengthen NATO thanks to the combat experience of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, innovations in the military sphere, and a strong defense industry.
According to him, the Ukrainian army and defense sector could become an important asset for the security of the whole of Europe.
